Alpha and Omega
Scripture Reading — Revelation 22:12-13
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
"From start to finish," "from top to bottom," "from first to last"—each of these phrases expresses completeness, thoroughness, totality. In our passage today, Jesus asserts his totality using the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet: "I am the Alpha and the Omega." And then, to make sure we get it, he adds, ". . . the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Jesus uses this name for himself nine times in the book of Revelation.
As "the Alpha and the Omega," Jesus declares his divinity, being one with God the Father; he announces his preexistence for all time and eternity; and he asserts his sovereignty as Lord of heaven and earth, the Creator and the final Judge to whom every knee shall bow.
Jesus also links the claim "I am the Alpha and the Omega" with his declaration "I am coming soon." With pain and suffering so rampant in our world, the promise of his return to make all things right is a great comfort. As with many of Jesus' words, however, his coming again presents challenges too.
Will the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, find us faithful when he returns? Be comforted but also challenged today, as you serve the Lord of the ages.
Jesus, we worship and adore you as Alpha and Omega. By your Spirit’s power, help us to lay our lives before you and serve you today and every day. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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